West Indies have left out Gudakesh Motie from their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The squad also sees the return of Matthew Forde, who had suffered a shoulder injury in August. With Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades unavailable due to injuries, West Indies have added Shamar Springer to bolster the pace attack.
The most significant development remains Motie’s exclusion with just a few months left for the T20 World Cup. Cricket West Indies though have revealed that the decision was taken keeping the World Cup in mind. With conditions in New Zealand not expected to favour spin, Motie has been given time off to work on a technical issue related to his action that has caused a recent dip in form.
The 30-year-old will work with specialists by collaborating with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise. Motie will work with them prior to his participation in the SA20 in December so that he can regain his confidence again before the World Cup in February.
As discussed in the emergency Cricket Strategy and Officiating Committee meeting held in August, CWI have added Clinical Psychologist Krisnan Hurdle to their management team as the Mental Skills and Performance Coach starting with the New Zealand tour.
The tour kicks off with five T20Is after which the teams will also play three Tests and three ODIs. The first T20I is scheduled to be played on November 5 in Auckland.
Squad: Shai Hope (C), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.
